Jazz 101 - Arts & Literature in Jazz

As jazz music evolved during the World War II years, writers and photographers began to embrace jazz as another method of artistic expression. On paper and film, the music appeared oblique and absolute. For people who were interested in jazz but not quite sure how to approach the music, pictures and writings were an encouraging introduction.

Gordon Parks and William Claxton were photographers who appreciated Jazz music so much, they found a way to express it through the lens. Gordon Parks has often acknowledged the influence of jazz on his life. As a Photojournalist for Time Magazine, he's captured iconic photos of Duke Ellington; and his edgy black-and-white photos of Clifford Brown and Ornette Coleman, among others have matched the grittiness of hard bop and free jazz.

William Claxton listened to big band, and in the 1950's, started shooting jazz musicians for album covers. Musicians felt relaxed when working with Claxton, allowing him to capture their inner emotions that now represents youthfulness, and the rebellious spirit of the music. Exhibitions of Claxton's work have been held in London, Paris, Tokyo, and Los Angeles.

Writers like Bill Moody and Geoff Dyer have offered perspective through words. Bill Moody presents a look into the life of Evan Horne, a fictional Jazz clarinetist in novels like "Solo Hand" and "Looking for Chet Baker".

Geoff Dyer is an award-winning writer whose authored a collection of stories called "But Beautiful: A Book About Jazz". The music of Art Pepper, Charles Mingus, Bud Powell, and Thelonious Monk was Goeff's inspiration behind these stories.

Many more photographers and writers have collaborated to produce magnificent picturebooks chronicling the history of jazz. Poets like Langston Hughes have also contributed their art to jazz music. The efforts of these artists interprepations of jazz has also resulted in scores of pricesless documentaries that can be found in public libraries across the country. Cheers!

- jh

Dana Hall's "Into the Light" - A CD Review

After nearly 20-plus years playing as a sideman for musicians like Kenny Barron, Branford Marsalis, and many others, Dana Hall gets his just due with his debut CD, Into The Light, as a bandleader. Debut or not, Hall’s professional and masterful approach to the music is without question, and clearly evident with his jaw-dropping, all-star lineup of Terell Stafford (Trumpet), Tim Warfield, Jr. (Saxes), Bruce Barth (Piano) and Rodney Whitaker (Bass).

Cincinnati is very fortunate to be among the stopping places for Hall to celebrate the release of his CD. The Queen City is certainly in for a treat. Into The Light brings forth a spirited welcome to Hall as a bandleader on CD, but make no mistake – there is nothing “rookie” about this project. Six of the nine tunes are Dana Hall compositions. Into The Light journeys through flavours of Modern Jazz, Soulful Bop, and Rhythmic Swing. In an attempt to avoid “spoiling the surprise” for Jazz enthusiasts, five of the nine tracks are covered in this review. The rest you’ll just have to listen for yourself (ha-ha).

The CD opens with the Herbie Hancock tune, “I Have a Dream”. Dana and Bruce jumps in without haste, in a very moving tempo, which is maintained through Tim’s solo on Sax. The pace slows down for a few ticks as Terell enters his solo on Trumpet, but not a shred of intensity is lost. The “Call & Response” melody between Tim and Terell adds spice to this number. The same can be said with Rodney’s walking bass pattern through Bruce’s keyboard solo.

“Conversation Song” sounds as if it’s just that – a conversation. Tim & Terell exchange dialogue through melody and solos with a socially supportive rhythm section. “Orchids” is a modern and mystical tune that showcases Rodney’s masterful bass work as his solo moves through various ranges and tempos.

The Hall-composed title track “Into The Light” is the fingerprint of the entire CD - Intense, driving, and artistically explosive. Everyone lets loose on this number, while skillfully preserving the core. This keeps the listener engaged, as the core prevents them from becoming lost in the layers of the song. The creativity is really pronounced at the end, as every piece “returns to earth” for a contrasting, yet complimenting wrap.

The quintet closes with “Tin Soldier”, composed by Tim Warfield. This tune opens with a punch; as Dana runs a solo lead-in at the head that includes an exhibition of tom rolls of varying volumes. Tim’s soprano provides a lively head-nodding solo that seamlessly transitions to Terell’s trumpet. Halfway through, Bruce’s piano solo effortlessly pushes the rhythm, followed by Tim and Terell’s return to melody. The last 30 seconds is an all-out party, with playful and expressive banter amongst everyone. Wrapping up the tune in a cheerful, optimistic fashion.

The modern and straight-forward sound of Into The Light is a commanding presence, containing drive and purpose. The quintet is locked into the complexity of their ever-changing rhythm patterns; and Dana does an excellent job maintaining the intensity throughout.

This next comment is nothing more than speculation, but the “light” that Hall may be referring to in the CD name and title track might be that which is created by the energy that travels from the quintet’s instruments to our ears.

Congratulations go to Dana Hall and his Quintet. Mr. Hall's CD Release Party will be held at the Blue Wisp on Jan. 29th & 30th at 8:30pm. Admission is $20.

The Blue Wisp is located at 318 E. 8th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 513.241.9477. For more information, visit thebluewisp.com. Cheers!

- jh